By John Krakauer.  This is a book about a kid who graduates from college and gets rid of all his personal belongings and lives a nomadic life.  He is found dead a few years later in an old "hunting shack" in the Wild of Alaska.  The book advertises the fact that he died and it is about his nomadic life and what he may have been thinking.  A good read.  The kid is a bit "eccentric" and got cocky which ultimately cost him his life, but I would reccommend this to others who like outdoor adventures.  

It is also somehwat on-topic too as he gets a canoe and tries to take the Colorado, below the Grand Canyon to the ocean.

I enjoyed this book - McCandless (sp?) was definitely over the top in his romantic notion of living off the land, but, like the author, I admired his spirit to a degree.  Many people justifiably dismiss him as a nut, and that's hard to argue with.

Another good book by Krakauer is "Into Thin Air," documenting the 1996 climbing season on Mt. Everest, where several climbers (13 I believe?) lost their lives.  Krakauer was a member of one of the expeditions.

Anyone been to this movie yet?

I've not seen the movie, but read the book several years ago. I found it very interesting. The book was lent to me by my daughter who has another book titled something like "death in Yellowstone" which she purchased while on a family trip there.  Another interesting book detailing some really stupid things done by people visiting the Yellowstone.  ::) Last summer my daughter and I made a 2nd trip to Yellowstone and the book was still on the shelf at the tourist traps.  [smiley=thumbup.gif] . We spent 20 days on that trip, and I do mean spent...oh well,  quality time with a daughter...priceless  :-*. In September we spent a week in south central Colorado enjoying the Aspen gold on the mountains, a trip wich required frequent stops at Barns and Nobles as we passed by. Am I a lucky man or what? Of course she loves country music, and loves to drive my F 350 Super Duty so I understand that some that read this will classify us a simple rednecks.....if so, proud to be labled as such ;)

I have read "Into the Wild" and just finished "The Final Frontiersman".
While the two characters fates are completely different, the common bond they have is the desire to live life to the fullest, in a rugged setting and in a simple way.
Heimo, the guy in the "Frontiersman" had a little less "romantic" view of the Alaskan wilderness and even with the help and tutelage of some seasoned trappers still almost died numerous times before he got it "right".
The kid in "Into the Wild" just got in way over his head in a land that can be as harsh as it is beautiful.
In the "Final Frontiersman" they talk about all the "hippies" that came to Alaska to live there dream, most didn't last long, many suffered tragic fates and a few managed to survive and prosper.
They talk about the size of the Alaskan Bush, its like a small country.
Remote and unforgiving even to the people who call it home.
While I admire anyone who seeks a great adventure, there's a fine line between that and reckless behavior ;)
The kid in "Into the Wild" was simply over matched and unprepared for the Alaskan Bush.
Great story but there is a lesson to be learned from his fate :(

I found this interesting article while reacquainting myself with the facts as known in the story.
I think it pretty well refutes the "romanticized" version of the story? Scroll down to the post with the perspective of the Alaskan Park Ranger.

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The movie (Sean Penn) unfortunately takes significant artistic license with the story. It portrays McCandless as more of a spiritual soul rather than a lost soul...and they created a domestic issue that is pure fiction.

The_Beaver wrote on Oct 30^th, 2007 at 10:59pm:

The movie (Sean Penn) unfortunately takes significant artistic license with the story. It portrays McCandless as more of a spiritual soul rather than a lost soul...and they created a domestic issue that is pure fiction.

That's why I won't see the movie :(
I think Sean Penn is a great actor but after his little self promoting stunt in New Orleans and hearing him on a few talk shows "romanticizing" and injecting his own personal politics into the story along with taking a far more slanted view than the author, I'd sooner reread the book ;)

I have seen the movie ....good but "Hollywoodized". If  nothing else it has increased my desire to read the book. Libraries here have 81 copies, all of which are out >:(

exdiver: I looked thru the books I have here at home, but couldn't find Into the Wild. Perhaps my daughter has stashed it in her stuff. I was going to offer to send my (her) copy to you. If I locate it, the offer stands. [smiley=thumbup.gif]However while looking, I found a book titled Staying Alive in Alaska's Wild by Andy Nault...true adventures transcribed and edited by Tee Loftin. I haven't read this book yet but it will be the next one I "dive" into ;D It might serve as a read for you untill you get the book you want. Thumbing thru Staying Alive looks like it will do.